Tag: dancer health

3 Easy (and Dancer-Approved) Recipes for Nights On the Go

In an “ideal” world, we, as parents, manage to plan meals, then prep and set perfectly portioned plates for all family members at dinnertime each weeknight. But whose reality is that? Instead, we’re constantly tackling the after-work shuffle and post-school hustle that typically entails car pools, (more) driving to the dance studio or other practices, […]

Here's What Experts Say to Look For in a Mask for Dancing

From oversized mouse heads in The Nutcracker to Jabbawockeez masks, most dancers have experience performing with restrictive costumes or headpieces. But as we transition from taking class at home during the COVID-19 pandemic to sharing a studio with others, masks aren’t just a costume accessory: They’re a necessary health tool. While masks are not a […]

Learning to Breathe From the Diaphragm Has Many Benefits for Dancers

Just when young dancers need oxygen the most—during a challenging balance or speedy petit allégro—it often seems they instinctively hold their breaths. Sometimes this happens as a reaction to stress; other times it might simply result from a constant sucking in of the waistline. No matter, it is an important habit for dance teachers to […]

How to Dance in a Face Mask

There’s a new must-have accessory for the dancers who’ve begun to venture back into the studio. Face masks are essential to protecting both teachers and dancers (not to mention their families) from coronavirus. But they definitely make dancing more complicated. How can you prepare for—and adjust to—the new masked normal? Here’s practical advice from Dr. […]

Ask Deb: How Can I Convince Parents of the Value of Technique Class vs. Learning Choreography?

Q: How can I help parents understand that time spent in technique class is as valuable as learning choreography for competitions? A: Parents love to see their children onstage almost as much as students love to perform. That being said, no amount of flashy choreography is going to sustain the long-term development of a young […]